Licensing Blog

The United States’ psychedelic market remains in its early stages, with states like Oregon and Colorado leading the charge by decriminalizing natural psychedelic medicines and establishing regulated therapeutic programs. As public and medical support grows, the market is expected to expand, with ongoing clinical trials and investments fueling its development. One state that may be joining the brigade is Massachusetts …

Since the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, the hemp industry has rapidly grown into a multi-million-dollar market. This boom has led to a proliferation of hemp-derived products available everywhere, from grocery stores to gas stations. Although the federal government initially paved the way for the industry’s development, it has since taken a hands-off approach to regulating the sector. This …

On December 2, 2022, President Joe Biden signed H.R. 8454 into law, officially known as the Medical Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research Expansion Act (the “Act”). This bipartisan legislation marked a significant milestone as the first standalone cannabis reform passed by Congress since the Controlled Substances Act of 1970 (“CSA”), which had placed cannabis in the category of substances with no …

Despite being a prominent leader in the cannabis industry, California took a surprising turn on September 6 when Governor Gavin Newsom (D) issued proposed emergency regulations that effectively cripple the state’s hemp industry. This move highlights the increasing challenges facing the hemp sector and deepens the divide between hemp and cannabis operators nationwide. In response, members of the hemp industry …

On September 13, 2024, Republican Representative Kaufer and Democratic Representative Kinkade introduced House Bill 2500. From establishing dual licenses for existing operators to implementing a sales and excise tax on adult-use cannabis products to generate revenue for the Commonwealth, this bipartisan bill sets forth Pennsylvania’s foundation at developing a comprehensive adult-use market. So, will the Keystone State be the 25th …

Cannabis’ conflicting legal status at both the federal and state levels has not only affected operators and institutions alike, but also registered patients and adult-users. While state legalization offers protections for cannabis users within the boundaries of that state, the federal prohibition still creates legal gray areas, particularly around employment, housing, gun ownership, and travel. Specifically, cannabis users are facing …

On August 8th, the Office of the Marijuana Commissioner (“OMC”) announced it would open the application window for cannabis business licenses two weeks ahead of schedule. This adjustment highlights the OMC’s commitment to meeting its projected program launch in March 2025. In addition to accelerating the timeline, Delaware’s passage of House Bills 334 and 408 demonstrates the state’s determination to …

In November 2023, the Buckeye State became the 24th state to legalize the use of cannabis for adults twenty-one (21) years and older. Since then, the state of Ohio has been diligently working towards implementing its program to ensure access to cannabis is available to its residents as soon as practicable. As such, the Ohio Division of Cannabis Control (“Division”) …

By a vote of 6-3, the Supreme Court justices overturned an over 40-year-old landmark decision—Chevron v. Natural Resources Defense Council. The long-standing Chevron doctrine crafted during Ronald Reagan’s presidency upheld the notion that if the law drafted by Congress was unclear, the courts are required to defer to the agency’s interpretation of the law so long as it was reasonable. …